Amidst the escalating air quality crisis in Delhi, the government is poised to announce the reinstatement of the odd-even vehicle rationing rules and potentially implement work-from-home directives in the near future. The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital has been alarming, consistently trending in the “severe plus” category, with readings soaring above 450 since Sunday, dramatically affecting the health of its residents.
The Delhi government, under the leadership of Atishi, is actively considering the revival of the odd-even rule, a vehicle rationing scheme aimed at curbing pollution if air quality deteriorates further in the coming days. This proactive approach comes in response to the dire need for immediate action to protect public health.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the AAP government is closely monitoring the rapidly changing environmental conditions and is prepared to swiftly implement necessary preventive measures to address the toxic air pollution gripping Delhi-NCR.
The Supreme Court has taken decisive action by directing all governments in the National Capital Region to implement Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) measures and ensure their enforcement until the AQI drops below 300. The court mandated the establishment of specialized anti-pollution teams tasked with monitoring compliance with these measures to promote cleaner air.
Delhi pollution: Will the odd-even rule return in Delhi?
The government, led by Atishi, has signaled that the reintroduction of the odd-even rule remains on the table depending on future air quality readings. Gopal Rai noted that the government’s final decision regarding the vehicle rationing scheme will hinge on expert evaluations and the anticipated environmental needs.
“From our side, the government is taking all the necessary steps at our level. We are monitoring everything closely and making decisions daily,” the minister reassured the public. “We will consult experts and take all required measures,” he added, illustrating the seriousness of the administration’s commitment to tackling air pollution.
The Odd-Even rule will impose restrictions on all vehicles, including private cars, during its implementation phase, with the aim of reducing the number of vehicles on the roads and thus improving air quality significantly.
Significantly, as part of the ongoing battle against pollution, the Delhi-NCR region has enforced a ban on many commercial vehicles and private vehicles meeting the BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel certifications under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4 starting from Monday.
Odd-even rule: What’s allowed under the vehicle rationing scheme
Under the proposed Odd-Even scheme, electric vehicles and those powered by CNG will be exempt from restrictions, permitting them to operate freely on all days. However, vehicles powered by petrol or diesel will be subjected to the rationing rules, aiming to mitigate pollutants emitted from traditional fuel sources.
If the Delhi government decides to enforce the Odd-Even rule, this will mark the fourth occasion that the national capital implements this strategy to control vehicular pollution and enhance air quality for its residents.
The Odd-Even rule was first pioneered in 2016 and has been implemented in the years 2016, 2017, and 2019 with varying degrees of success in alleviating air pollution levels across the city.
– How does the odd-even vehicle rationing system impact overall air quality improvement in Delhi?
**Interview with Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Rai. The air quality in Delhi has been a serious concern, especially with recent AQI levels soaring above 450. Can you explain the current situation and the government’s response?
**Gopal Rai:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the air quality in Delhi is indeed at a critical level. We are consistently recording severe pollution levels, which poses serious health risks to our residents. The government is closely monitoring these conditions and is prepared to take decisive action.
**Interviewer:** One of the measures being discussed is the reintroduction of the odd-even vehicle rationing system. Can you elaborate on this?
**Gopal Rai:** The odd-even rule is one of the tools we can use to reduce traffic congestion and, in turn, lower pollution levels. We are considering reinstating this scheme, but its implementation will depend on future air quality readings. If the situation doesn’t improve, we may have to act swiftly.
**Interviewer:** What other actions is the government planning to take in response to the pollution crisis?
**Gopal Rai:** Alongside the potential revival of the odd-even rule, we are also exploring work-from-home directives for government employees and assessing our readiness to enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) measures. This includes establishing anti-pollution teams to ensure effective compliance with these regulations.
**Interviewer:** The Supreme Court has mandated certain actions to address this crisis. How is the Delhi government collaborating with the Supreme Court’s directives?
**Gopal Rai:** We are committed to adhering to the Supreme Court’s directives. We have already started working on the Graded Response Action Plan and are focusing on establishing specialized teams to monitor compliance with pollution control measures. Our goal is to ensure that these actions are implemented efficiently and effectively until we see a significant drop in the AQI.
**Interviewer:** what is your message to the residents of Delhi regarding air quality and their health?
**Gopal Rai:** I urge everyone to stay vigilant and take precautions during this hazardous period. The government is doing everything in its power to address this emergency, but individual actions also matter. Minimize outdoor activities, wear masks if necessary, and stay informed about air quality levels. Together, we can combat this crisis.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister Rai. We hope for a swift improvement in air quality for the residents of Delhi.
**Gopal Rai:** Thank you. Let’s work together for a cleaner and healthier Delhi.